I’m the first one to admit that I’m not the romantic person in the world, so when I actually find a place that knocks it out of the park, then I have to spread the word. Antigua, Guatemala is a very pretty and really romantic little town all by itself, but Panza Verde seriously ups the ante. As a hotel, it’s pretty awesome – we booked room #7 above the restaurant and it was a fantastic colonial style room. It’s to the left of the main entrance to “La Cueva”, up a flight of stone stairs. The French doors open onto a private patio overlooking a Zen Courtyard, with views of Volcan Agua. Here is the view from our private terrace, just above the restaurant – which is very, very convenient!

The shaky room video will at least give you an idea of what you’re going to get while you’re there. I personally think it is one of the most worthwhile hotels I’ve ever been in, just for the overall setting, convenience and space that you get for an overall romantic weekend experience.

Here is the kicker, even though the room was great, what sets the hotel apart from most places is the restaurant (Meson Panza Verde) which is easily one of the most romantic I’ve been to in the world! The whole place oozes with atmosphere and definitely sets the tone for any wooing you’re going to do that night The entire dining room was open to us at 7pm on a Thursday …

Yep you saw a splash of blue in the top picture, which comes from the azure lap pool next to the tables.

That being said for the tables by the pool … the best seat in the house is the little table for two with a completely unrestricted view of the tiny stage for Ignacio and his trio. A couple thoughts at this point …

If you come for the hotel, you’ll be impressed.

If you get room 7 above the restaurant, so you can stroll downstairs for dinner … you’ll be happier.

The food and service itself are fantastic … I recommend their Thai dishes and a well done Ribeye

Finally, if you get table 1 with Ignacio Perez Borell on a Thursday (He only plays on Thursday!) … it’s pretty much a home run!

Senor Ignacio, whose father was an original member of the Buena Vista Social Club, began playing with them at the age of six. It’s like watching living history. As the music began and not only was Ignacio’s voice and work on the congas hypnotic but his flutist and pianist were also pretty fantastic as well. Here is a clip from the night and I have three more videos on my YouTube Channel.

If you’re looking a ridiculous high value location with a low overall cost, then I highly recommend your next proposal be done here! And no … there was no proposal from me on this night 😛

About Rishiray

Rishi Sankar is a PeopleSoft HRMS Project Manager and Oracle Solution Architect. Over the past 10+ years, he has managed to combine his overwhelming wanderlust with a desire to stay employed, resulting in continuing stints with 2 major consulting firms. He documents his adventures around the world on "Ah Trini Travelogue" with pictures and stories from the road/tuk-tuk/camel/rickshaw. You can follow him on Twitter at @rishiray and on Facebook at "Ah Trini Travelogue . He doesn't like Chicken Curry but loves Curry Chicken and is always trying to find the perfect Trinidadian roti on the road. He also doesn't like cheese and kittens ... and definitely not together. E-mail from his blog is appreciated like a 35 yr old Balvenie at [email protected]

The search for a great patio in Antigua Guatemala doesn’t tend to be very hard ...

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Here is the kicker, even though the room was great, what sets the hotel apart from most places is the restaurant which is easily one of the most romantic I’ve been to in the world! The whole place oozes with atmosphere and definitely sets the tone for any wooing you’re going to do that night